Spacer and components therefor

Abstract

A spacer comprising a polycarbonate chamber and a flow valve located within the chamber. The chamber comprises: a first reservoir and a second reservoir; an inlet for admission of aerosolized medication into the first reservoir; an outlet for withdrawal of medication from the second reservoir; and a vent for expulsion of air from the second reservoir. The flow valve is adapted to: allow forward-flow of medication from the first reservoir to the second reservoir during user inspiration; substantially limit inflow of air through the vent into the second reservoir during user inspiration, substantially limit backflow of air or medication from the second reservoir to the first reservoir during user expiration; and allow expulsion of air from the second reservoir through the vent during user expiration.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention relates to a spacer and / or components therefor. In one particular aspect the invention relates to a flow valve for use in a spacer.BACKGROUND ART[0002]Any discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention. It should not to be taken as an admission that any of the material forms a part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the relevant art in Australia or elsewhere on or before the priority date of the disclosure herein.[0003]Sufferers of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often use a metered dose inhaler in order to inhale a bronchodilatory drug such as Salbutimol into their lungs, thereby opening up their pathologically constricted airways. However, if the patient is unable to co-ordinate spraying of the medication into their mouth (which is actuated by depressing a medication canister inside a housing of the inhaler), with a ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a device that controls the flow of medicinal substances in a respiratory system. The device has two flow control portions: one that opens during user inhalation to allow the medication to flow forward, and one that closes during user expiration to prevent the medication from flowing backward. The device also has a vent that allows air to flow through during both inhalation and expiration. The technical effects of this device are improved delivery of medication to the lungs and prevention of medication from flowing back to the reservoir during expiration.

Problems solved by technology

However, if the patient is unable to co-ordinate spraying of the medication into their mouth (which is actuated by depressing a medication canister inside a housing of the inhaler), with a deep inspiratory breath, much of the medication may be deposited on the back of their mouth instead of being drawn deep into their lungs.

A disadvantage of prior art spacers such as the one mentioned above may be the use of two valves which both move during inspiration and expiration, potentially causing increased resistance to flow and leading to overly complex designs.

Another disadvantage with these types of spacers may be the need for ultrasonic welding of the chamber components, potentially adding to the complexity and reducing efficiency of assembly during manufacture.

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